OAK HARBOR, OH -- The state's bald eagles have officially kicked off the 2001 nesting season as eagle pairs recently began incubating eggs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
State wildlife biologists expect another successful breeding season this year with two new nests already discovered and possible nest-building activity occurring in several other locations. Last year, a record 63 eagle pairs nested in the state and raised a record 88 eaglets.
The two new nests found so far this year are located in Erie and Portage counties. The number of new bald eagle pairs joining Ohio's breeding eagle population continues to increase each year as some of the eagles raised in Ohio nests reach maturity and establish nesting territories of their own.
Only four breeding pairs existed in the state when the ODNR Division of Wildlife began bald eagle restoration efforts in 1979.
Active nests are currently recorded in 25 Ohio counties: Coshocton (1), Delaware (1), Erie (7), Geauga (1), Guernsey (1), Harrison (1), Henry (1), Huron (1), Knox (2), Lorain (1), Lucas (4), Mahoning (1), Marion (1), Mercer (1), Noble (1), Ottawa (10), Portage (2), Ross (1), Sandusky (9), Seneca (4), Summit (1), Trumbull (5), Wayne (1), Wood (2) and Wyandot (5).
Bald eagles reach breeding maturity at 3 to 4 years of age and are monogamous. They prefer to build their nests in tall trees near water. Generally, eagles lay two eggs and the incubation period is 35 days. Eaglets are mottled brown and do not acquire pure white head and tail feathers until age 5 or 6. The young fledge (leave the nest) at 10 to 13 weeks, at which time they are the size of the adults. Once the young fledge, they remain under the care of the adults for another seven to 10 weeks. An eagle's life span in the wild is generally 15 to 20 years.
Anyone witnessing any new eagle nest-building activity should contact the county wildlife officer or a Division of Wildlife office. Eagle observers are reminded that bald eagles and their nest sites are protected by state and federal laws. Any type of disturbance around a nest could cause the birds to abandon the nest or discourage them from using the nest in the future.
The state's bald eagle restoration efforts are funded by the sale of Ohio conservation license plates, including the bald eagle and cardinal plates, and contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for wildlife diversity and endangered species. The license plate can be purchased through a deputy registrar license outlet or by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles toll-free at 1-888-PLATES3.
Ohio taxpayers can donate all or a portion of their state income tax refund to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on their 2000 state income tax form.